A Fast Break

If there is one thing that motivates me to get out of bed in the morning, it is breakfast.  I mean, think about it: I haven't eaten for hours and hours so of course I am going to be grumpy until the fast is broken.  I love my morning breakfast routine and if it gets messed up, usually I feel off for the rest of the day.  I usually go in spurts of what I like to eat.  Sometimes I am on a smoothie craze, occasionally I'll get into oatmeal for a while, but usually you will find me eating cereal.  Lately I have been having yogurt every morning--an easy, no prep option.

(A tip about getting free organic yogurt:  buy Stonyfield yogurt with coupons and then sign up for their rewards program.  I have already gotten free yogurt, free milk, and a subscription to Kiwi magazine just from eating their yogurt.)

PAA-LEASE, don't tell me you don't have time for breakfast!  If it is a priority, you have time.  I can't tell you how often I eat in the car or keep some easy-to-travel snacks in my purse.  The problem is that people don't see why it needs to be a priority.  They argue that they want to save the calories or that they are not hungry in the morning.  Your body needs to refuel, after going 12ish hours without food, so it can best perform the tasks ahead.  IDEA Health and Fitness Association states:
Breakfast not only provides readily available calories for morning activity; it is also integral to obtaining essential nutrients. Protein is needed for muscle building and repair, as well as for other functions, including maintenance of hormones and enzymes.
One reason why the body doesn’t function optimally on one meal a day is that the body usually doesn’t absorb 100% of a nutrient when it is consumed. So eating several meals can help the body use more of the nutrients it gets from food. Additionally, breakfast can help ensure an adequate day’s supply of fiber, as well as vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients.
 Some of my favorite to-go foods are Larabars, dried fruit strips, and snack sized packs of almonds.  I am usually nagging my husband to take a breakfast bar with him as he walks out the door to go to work.  Breakfast doesn't have to be a big production if you don't want it to be.  It is worth the calories you eat when you consider the boost in your metabolism and your ability to be more active and efficient throughout your morning.  Happy fast breaking!

I keep a drawer of to-go foods, making it even easier for my husband to grab something before he leaves for work.

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